White Rhinoceros

Range:

South and East Africa

Habitat:

Drier savannahs and plains

Characteristics:

The white rhino is the 3rd largest land animal, after the two species of elephants. The white rhino has two horns on the end of its long head. It is only a little paler than its "black" (actually gray) African relative. It is also referred to as the square-lipped rhino, in reference to its wide, straight, non-hooked upper lip.

Behavior:

The white rhino is the only grazing rhino. Mild and inoffensive in temperament, this species of rhino is the most social with females often living in groups of 5-7 individuals. Rhinos are very good mothers and will stay with a calf teaching and protecting it for 2-4 years. Adult males are solitary and territorial.

Reproduction:

Females become sexually mature at 5 years of age and bear their first calf at 6-8 years. A single birth is the rule, with the baby weighing only about 4 percent of the mother's weight - about 143 lbs. (65kg). Females seek seclusion from other rhinos at the time of birth. Males first become sexually potent at 7-8 years of age but are prevented from breeding by social factors until they claim their first territories or dominant status usually at an age of 10 years.

Interesting Facts:

There are five living species of rhinos: white, black. Indian, Javan and Sumatran. The black and white live in Africa, while the other three live in Asia. All five species of rhino are in jeopardy of going extinct.

About Our Animals:

We have two white rhinos: a male and a female.

Did YOU Know?

White rhinos are actually gray. Its name is derived from the Afrikaner word wijd which means wide